If your cat is passing loose or frequent stools, this is a good indicator that something might be wrong with its overall health. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, diarrhea in cats can occur if a cat is simply adapting to a change in diet, but can also be caused by illness or infection. Diarrhea is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

In addition to a food intolerance, diarrhea could indicate your cat might be suffering from an allergy, internal parasites like roundworms, or even bacterial or viral infections. Other chronic medical conditions such as feline inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease and feline hyperthyroidism may also result in diarrhea in cats, the news outlet reports.

While most people know what diarrhea is, you should also know when to seek veterinary help for your feline. If your cat is passing bloody or black stool along with the diarrhea, call a vet immediately, as this could signal internal bleeding. If your cat has had abnormal stools for more than a few days, or if you notice vomiting or a lack of appetite you should also see your vet.

There are a number of questions your veterinarian will ask about your cat's recent behavior and health, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Consider when you first noticed the unusual stools, what the nature of your cat's bowel movements is, what it has been eating, and whether it has any pre-existing medical problems. Your veterinarian will likely run tests on your cat’s stool and possibly even bloodwork to determine what is affecting your cat.

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